May 28
MikeWeb Design EE CMS, ExpressionEngine, ExpressionEngine Hosting
ExpressionEngine has become a popular choice when it comes to content management systems. This flexible system is rich in features and can dynamically assemble websites with just a handful of PHP scripts. While Drupal is our preferred CMS, we do work with ExpressionEngine quite a bit as it is a favorite for many of our clients. After recommending a CMS to our clients, a frequently asked question is “how will it interact with our current hosting company?” Some of our ExpressionEngine clients have experienced issues with ExpressionEngine hosting.
The server requirements for ExpressionEngine are fairly standard and revolve around Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP. Most companies will run Linux based servers which are capable of ExpressionEngine hosting, but you should consider the following tips before choosing a hosting company for your ExpressionEngine website:
- Don’t run ExpressionEngine on Windows. Although possible, you can run into numerous issues and problems. Running on Windows may save you money but you will most likely spend more money troubleshooting the configuration.
- Cheap hosting, although very attractive should also be avoided. Hosts such as GoDaddy and 1&1 offer very cheap ExpressionEngine hosting, but their packages tend to lack key tools and the support needed to manage your EE installation.
- Ask any potential host to run the ExpressionEngine server wizard to establish if their product meets ExpressionEngine’s requirements.
- If you want to manage multiple sites for clients consider how you will do this. Some ExpressionEngine hosting packages offer up a master admin panel like cPanel where you can manage multiple sites and domains from one account. Other companies prefer you to set up separate accounts.
To help you find the right ExpressionEngine hosting package for you here are a few choices to consider:
- EngineHosting.com is our recommendation. They are affiliated with Ellis Lab who created ExpressionEngine and offer hosting packages starting at just $10 per month for shared hosting. They offer excellent support and will even install EE for you. If you purchase ExpressionEngine at the same time as the hosting package you will receive a 20% discount.
- MediaTemple.com has hosting packages from $20 per month and offers a user control panel which will allow you to configure sites on your account yourself. Their support is good, although there is one disadvantage for those who wish to replace index.php in their URLs as this can be tricky with Media Temple servers.
Other ExpressionEngine hosting companies exist but be sure to do your research before embarking on a twelve month (or longer) hosting commitment.
May 27
MikeWeb Design CMS, Content Management System, Drupal
When it comes to content management systems, Drupal is our preferred solution. This software is released under open source license and provides a great web application framework written in PHP. Like many other open source programs, there is a growing community of programmers and developers all adding to its features, including modules, blogs, forums and themes.
What sets Drupal apart is its ability to provide powerful frameworks for sites, from a basic level static site to a community based site and beyond. Consider it as a constructor, providing you with only the essential elements needed to create a basic website from which you can enhance and develop to create a site which meets your needs. Some may be put off by this, particularly beginners who may choose to abandon Drupal in favor of another CMS, simply because of the time it can take to build a site which meets their requirements. However, it is worth nothing that the core code is simple but powerful, modification of the core functions is relatively easy and it is very easy to write your own modules.
While other CMS platforms may be more specific in their attributes, Wordpress for instance is great for blogging, Drupal has been heralded as akin to the holy grail in developers eyes simply because of its flexibility and ease in which powerful websites can be built and configured. Drupal also offers very robust eCommerce modules to create powerful shopping portals.
Check out just a few of the names who have built websites with Drupal:
Over the past ten years Drupal has evolved to become a leader in CMS programs and a favorite not just with us but many others as well! There is a great API and a large resource of tutorials available to users on just about everything you could ever want to know. Added to this is the fact that since its inception Drupal has always had a focus on security and is regarded as one of the most secure CMS programs available. This powerful software is definitely our first choice for building websites large or small.
Apr 27
MikeWeb Design, Web Industry 404, dc website firm, Web Design
404 error pages are often overlooked and taken too lightly. If designed well, these pages can reel back in a lost or misguided visitor and bring them to the page or information they initially set out to see. Unfortunately, many websites don’t use 404 pages. If any of their links are broken, pages down, or any other mishap they run the risk of losing their visitor.
The last few days, we took a look at over 30 404 pages hosted by local DC website firms. The research was quite startling:
- Nearly 1/3 of the DC website firms didn’t have their own 404 page;
- Roughly 1/2 of the firms had very dull and plain pages; and,
- Only a very small handful had ones that reeled back in their users and added a creative twist at the same time. (Another reason, I’m a big fan of creative 404 pages is because they are rarely seen and thus design agencies, or any company for that matter, can be more creative with this page.)
Here are a few great examples:
Cohenspire, http://www.cohenspire.com/404/
Text: Oh no you broke something! Ok well…let’s be honest I probably messed something up. Find your way home or let me know what broke.
nclud, http://www.nclud.com/404
Text: Whoops! We’ve slipped! If you think a page should be here, then there probably should be one. We’ve slipped-up and apologize; but rest assured that someone somewhere just got an email about this, we’re sort of fanatics about that whole user-experience thing. Don’t let one bad banana hold you back. Learn more about us, our work and our process, read a bit from our sketchbook or contact us. If you’re one of our many awesome clients looking for our client login, you can always login at http://clients.nclud.com
TK Designs, http://www.tkdesigns.tv/404
Text: OMG! I think I’m lost. ?#$! Looks like the file you are looking for is not available. This may be because we just added our new page and it is still missing a few files. You may contact us or go back home.
And of course, our very own 404 page…
Text: 404 Oops, the bulb burned out. You must have entered in a wrong URL, or the page is down… or maybe we should build a new page because you thought there would be one here. We’re not blaming anyone… let’s get through this together. Here’s the way back, browse through our work, learn about our expertise, read our story, view our awards, or get in touch with us.
Oct 31
MikeSEO, Web Design, Website Launches
Professional Services Network, Inc. launched its redesigned website today. Reef Light Interactive worked with PSN’s senior leadership for the past two months to redesign their website and improve their search engine optimization (SEO) foundation.
PSN wanted to make their website more user-friendly showcasing each of their three unique services: jobs for nurses, staffing solutions, and healthcare consulting. In addition to the top level navigation, links were added on the left and in the body. To maximize the staffing company angle, we suggested that three featured positions be displayed on the homepage for easy access. Below is a before and after snapshot…
Previous PSN Homepage
New PSN Homepage
PSN is ecstatic about the new website and is looking towards the future. Feel free to browse around and tell us what you think!
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Reef Light Interactive, a Washington DC web design company, makes brands shine! We had a pleasure working with PSN; feel free to contact us to learn more about our web design and/or SEO services.
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